OK I picked a yearbook plant
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1348694/
Yes I should be weeding out and filing pictures too.
Yardening 5- jan 2014, in the snow
Thank you Typ, and yes, that is a Hollyhock (whom I lovingly refer to as "Holly") :) I winter sowed Hollyhocks along with everything else that year, and she's the only one who made it. If I remember correctly, she's "Chater's Double Scarlet". If you're going to be at the Seed Swap I can make sure you get some too, if you want. :)
Oh man Sally, that Strawberries and Cream Hydrangea is scrumptious!!
Holly, do we need to harangue Ric a bit for you about that laptop? < =D heeheeheee
Omigawd.
Gita you are gonna croak. HD website sells the Stupid Earth Machine , our beloved (NOT ) SEM, for $109!!!!!!!!!!!!
(don't really croak, now!)
Believe it or not, it would be ok for my friend who wants to put her kitchen waste NOT in the dump, but is not yet an active gardener, so she just needs to contain the scraps and worms. The thing is built to last.
Boy- after reading reviews, the SEM sounds like the best choice out there. You just have to understand how to operate it. It is very sturdy and contains the compost effectively, and makes it look respectable VS an open pile. Just don't ever think you'll use the handy little lower door on ANY of these things, and scoop out something that looks like the fluffy potting mix they use to pose the pictures.
but 109$ is a bit steep- THe world needs better choices in home compost bins.
So cute! if you can build it
http://www.tillysnest.com/2011/07/stackable-beehive-composter.html
They sure are cute and I know a few guys that could build them in a snap. I wonder how much $$$ they could sell them for considering the SEM is selling for $109 and these are so much cuter. Of course they wouldn't do me much good considering we use compost by the wheelbarrow full and my pile is bigger than BecNoVa's old yard. LOL
I'd sure like one, and I know lots of people want attractive alternatives for compost. THis thing would last forever. And its got the stackable feature that everybody raved about with the now defunct Scotts stacking 3 piece composter. An extra lid and you have the option of a finishing pile and 'new' pile, in a smaller system than what you guys do of course!
I'd like the lid to open easily on one side though, like bird feeders do.
I sent that link to Courtney via email and she just loved the compost bins. Josh is going to make one or two I suggested he make 2 of them one for Court and maybe sell the other. If not I bet his sister would love it. I will post pics when Josh finishes his. Wouldn't surprise me if he comes up with a few ideas of his own to make it even better.
Fabulous!
I vote for a hinged lid so you open with one hand and put stuff in
Beautiful flowers, everyone!
Since you brought up composting: I've just been piling up leaves and grass and mixing in some dirt, kitchen scraps, shredded paper and compost starter, then turning it with a pitchfork now and then. I don't cover the piles. I know this is NOT the best way to do it (got 2 composting books for Christmas!), but do you think I'm just wasting my time because all of the nutrients leach out?
No you are not wasting your time. As long as you see stuff there are nutrients waiting to happen. They are locked in the organic material and the fungi and microbes that are eating it.
Keep calm and compost on!
My wife got me a compost tumbler for Christmas and I put it together a couple weeks ago. It happened to be the day she made cranberry marmalade jam, so there was lots of starting material for the compost :) Since then I never realized how much organics we throw away each week! I need to get a kitchen compost pail though so that we don't have to keep all the scraps in ziploc bags in the fridge between trips out back to the composter. Unfortunately with the cold, there's not a lot of composting going on in the bin but I can't wait to use it when it's finished! It's pretty cool having a composter though because now I get excited to throw stuff away...LOL
Happy: I have never grown Agastache but I got 'Golden Jubilee' from Donner last fall. You said you couldn't really compare it to the 'Purple Haze' because of timing. Now I'm really looking forward to seeing how it does and maybe it will be my 2014 favorite!
Also, I'm not surprised that 2 of you would say a hydrangea was your favorite. I remember the Bloom threads were packed with hydrangea pics as they are so well loved by all of us!
Thanks to everyone for adding their faves from last year. Keep 'em coming! :)
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1348694/
This message was edited Jan 29, 2014 9:52 AM
Typ: That was a great idea for a thread! My problem with hydrangeas is I don't treat them well enough - I have a lot, but my watering schedule isn't regular enough, and some are in fairly dry areas to start with.... But I love well-maintained plants, when in bloom. There are some new French cultivars that are really stunning.
sequoya---
Just food for thought----
I keep one of those shoe-box sized plastic containers, with a lid, next to my dish
drainboard. It is kind of, out of sight. Besides--it does not small bad at all.
Every peel every skin or rind--every trimming of anything vegetable gets put in there.
When it is full--I take it outside and dump it in my composter.
Yes! You WILL come to realize how much veg. matter gets tossed in the trash.
Here's a wild idea I have always had......
When the collection box is full--blend EVERYTHING in there in a blender or processor
with some water added and pour it on your beds....Should be instant compost!
What do you all think? G.
Gita, I'm not sure about "instant compost", but it's gotta be really nutritious... I would think. Here's a question though: Would it not attract unwanted critters?
Well---
I used the term "instant Compost" very loosely.
Of course--one would have to dig it in a bit..not just dump it on top
of your bed....I bet it would work good in lasagna composting???
I have not really done this--just played around with it a bit...
Like--veggies for the veggie bed,
G.
Gita, one of my composting books said to do exactly that: put everything in a blender and pour it on the compost pile so that the microbes can break down the particles faster.
I am so glad I started saving kitchen scraps; for one, I don't feel as bad when I forget about produce in the fridge until it rots.
This message was edited Jan 29, 2014 7:59 PM
Yes, others have posted about "blender composting" Smoothies for the worms, eh? Should be awesome.
Me too Muddy, I HATE food waste but his way it isn't really waste.
But.. but... but.... what about attracting unwanted critters? (not you Jill, you are wanted!!) Would the yummy enticing aroma not attract icky rodents that we don't want? Anyone have any experience with this? Now, I'm talking about doing it like Gita said; mixing the stuff into the beds, not in/on a compost pile. (I don't have a compost pile).
Sounds interesting Gita...
I don't mix them in to the beds but I have a compost pile that is an open tube on the ground. To keep the critters out set chicken wire on top and wood top of that. If it starts to stink sprinkle some lime on top of it.
Occasionally Rocky Raccoon visits or Peter Possum but it is infrequent enough that it doesn't require a change in methodology. I also dig a hole in the compost to mix in the new supplies which puts the fresh ingredients in the middle of the column.
Paul--Good morning....
What do you mean by "An open tube"? How big is this tube?
Must be big enough if you can "dig a hole in it"...
I n this frigid weather--isn't everything frozen solid? Mine is--
but I just keep on dumping my veggie scraps on top.
Come spring--it will all "wake up" in that S.E.M.
Still need to dig it out....but sure would like to have that 4x4x4 compost bin
by the time I do that. There's a young Guy at work who said he might be able to do it.
I have been feeding him home made dinners on Sundays (at work).
Just paying forward.....:o)............:o)
Most of you already know the spot I have in mind--at the end of my raised bed.
The main problem will be this..............might as well pick all your brains.....
The bottom of this compost bin CANNOT touch the ground, because the
Maple Roots will grow in there in no time flat.
However--it will need to be able to drain freely and also for worms to have access.
The worms thing may not be that important--as I can, probably, buy a can of red worms
and they will set up housekeeping in this pile. Do they usually travel in the soil too?
The idea of using pallets is very practical--but not too "pretty".
Since I have nowhere to hide mine--I would like it to be nicer looking.
This you-tube is very doable....at least as an "idea"....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2F8FEvx6N8
Gita, look up keyhole composting. I think that may be similar to what Terp is talking about, but maybe his is not so sophisticated?
Speedie: I can't compost in my yard b/c of rats. I live in an older rowhouse, close enough to Baltimore. You've probably all heard about our legendary unofficial mascot! I think there are local laws against food waste in composting for this reason.
http://www.vegetable-gardening-with-lorraine.com/homemade-compost-bin.html
This is pretty much like mine but I used a plastic barrier I already had on hand.
Typwc; keyhole composting is very interesting, thanks for the info!
I'm starting to think about buying additives for this year: Plant-Tone for perennial beds, Bulb-Tone for my big daffodil bed and Corn Gluten for the lawn.
The best prices I can find so far on the Tones are at a sale at a local store American Plant (ending tomorrow), 36 pound bag for $24.49. Has anyone seen a better price?
As to corn gluten, American Plant has a 40 pound bag for $34.99 (that either covers 1000 or 2000 square feet -- I'm still checking). When I was checking whether that price was reasonable, I bumped into this spray version of corn gluten by Green-It which is much cheaper (a $19.97 bottle seems to cover 2000 sq. ft.). http://www.homedepot.com/p/Green-It-64-oz-RTS-Corn-Gluten-Weed-Preventer-272/203148546 Have any of you tried this? I know Corn Gluten needs to be applied when the forsythia bloom, so I want to be ready. I used it last year and I do think there was a reduction in weeds. But I didn't get around to re-seeding the lawn last year, so I'm a little worried that there isn't enough good grass to fill in.... and I can't reseed at the same time that I use corn gluten since it acts as a pre-emergent. I think I'll try planting more grass seed 6 weeks after using the Corn Gluten, even though that won't be an optimal time to plant grass seed.
This message was edited Jan 30, 2014 11:18 AM
Gardens Alive (gardensalive.com) sells a 40 lb. bag of corn gluten meal pre-emergent weed control and fertilizer, good for 2000-4000 sq.ft., that you can get for about $25 (not incl. S&H).
When you look at the link below, you'll see a price of $49.95 and wonder what I'm talking about! They always have a deal whereby if you spend at least 50 dollars, you get 50% off. They word it as "spend $50, get $25 worth of products for free; spend $100, get $50 for free, etc. You'd have to buy something else to get above $50, but you'll see something you want.
You have to either get a catalog (which always has the 50% coupon code) or sign up for their email newsletter to get the discount (you could always cancel the emails later). The online offer looks like you only get $25 off, but that's deceptive because when you open it you'll see the 50% discount offer.
They don't sell Espoma products, but do sell their own organic equivalents.
I LOVE all of their products. For example, their concentrated bottle of organic insect control, Pyola, does the trick and lasts a long time.
http://www.gardensalive.com/wow-supreme-pre-emergent-weed-control-lawn-fertilizer/p/2836/
Thanks, Muddy; that's good to know. I thought their $25 off deal was capped at $25 per purchase - is it a full 50% off the entire purchase if you buy at least $50? Sadly -- s/h is not inconsiderable --$15.95 on two 40 pounds bags. Not saying that's unreasonable for the delivery of 80 pounds, but I need to take that into account in comparing offers. Adding that in, for 2 bags, it comes close to the American Plant price even with a full 50% off.
Happy and Muddy, Lowe's has 25 lb bags for $30.00
http://www.lowes.com/pd_2546-1321-CGP25_0__?productId=3028553
It's Espoma's packaging of corn gluten meal.
Happy, did you try to go further with the checkout? There's a $24.00 overweight shipping charge in addition to the $15.95 s/h charge. Even if you factor in 50% discount, this makes the Lowes price comparable.
This 25 lb bag is supposed to cover 1250 sq ft, so the 40 lb bag should cover 2000 sq ft.
Typwc and Paul Have you seen the DG article on" Keyhole Gardens: A Drought To;erant Composting Garden"
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/3726/
Karen--
That compost bin does look easy and enough to build--BUT---
Reading through the "directions" on how to turn over the pile--
I realized that this bin gets moved over, one section at a time,
as you put one of the sections next to the bin and then put the turned over
compost in there. Remove the next section, put it on top of the 1st one
you removed, and fill it up with more compost. Etc...etc...
In the end, you would have a filled compost bin, but it would be in a
location 4' over. Do you follow this explanation??? I could not do that.
Also--since this is a "movable" bin--nothing was mentioned about
lining it with wire mesh.
I DO like that this was actually built out of lumber--not palates. More esthetic.
In these videos--it seems everyone has a wooded lot and it does not matter how it looks.
In the link I posted above--one could just remove the front slats--one at a time
to get to the compost. The bin itself would stay put. For me this would be more functional.
I will keep opening a lot of links to see what else is out there.
Keep posting if you find something doable. Thanks, G.
Gita, the thing I linked to was permanent, I think. Anyway, I'm sorry but I don't know the answer to your question. I don't put a lot of thought into composting because as I said, I can't do it where I live right now.
Coleup: thanks for the info!
Sorry, Karen---
It was the link Paul posted....G.
ssg: The American Plant price is still the cheapest, so I'm leaning towards stocking up. But I'm curious about the much-cheaper corn gluten spray at Home Depot (link above) -- I wonder if that works as well as the granular corn gluten.
Happy, Iowa State University did a study on liquid corn gluten, and the results show that it works very well as a pre-emergent herbicide, perhaps even better than corn gluten meal. You can read the whole research paper here:
http://www.hort.iastate.edu/research/gluten/mcdade
Speedie: You are a star - that is just what I was looking for. Many many thanks!
Oh goodie, you are very welcome, I'm glad I could help! =)
I don't think I had to pay Gardens Alive's overweight charge before; maybe it's new. That does make a difference.
What is American Plant? I found an Americanplant.com, but it says it is a "wholesale firm that specializes in quality greenhouses and horticultural equipment, supplies and services to commercial growers, schools and universities, research facilities, retail garden centers and conservatories:.
Here you go: http://americanplant.net/index.php/new-winter-wows. It is fairly close to you (one of their stores is at the Beltway and River Road). The 30% off sale ends tomorrow (Friday); if you spend more than $200, local delivery is free. Their regular prices are on the high side, so you need to double-check whether their sale price is worth it, item by item. They also have a rewards program which is worthwhile.
If today's blog post from Mark Dwyer's Rotary Gardens Hort Blog doesn't get the sap in your xylem and phloem flowin'... then nothing, absolutely nothing will and you are probably already dead.
**PSA: slow internet connections are hearby warned that this post is probably going to bog your computer down for a while but it's so, so worth the wait.**
http://rotarygardens.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-obelisk-for-garden-verticality.html
Holy Macaroni Typ, those are absolutely THE coolest "obelisks" (OK, "garden pyramids", ;P) I have EVER seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The way they incorporate the colours into the beds' colour schemes is magnificent!!!!!!!!
OK, now I gotta "follow" that blog, I'm SURE I can learn something cool there. Thank you for sharing this, the sap sure is flowin' now!! < =D